Matthew Haber Design

  • Why should I use Spark instead of some other playback program?
    When you come to me to discuss your project, I can help you determine whether Isadora is the best platform for your needs. If it is, basing our project off of Spark insures a level of field-tested reliability, flexibility and power that is difficult to match with a scratch built patch while simultaneously saving you money by allowing me to spread the development time over numerous client projects instead of billing every client for the huge number of programming hours required to create this sort of application.
  • What does the name Spark come from?
    The name spark alludes to the goal of this program being the beginning of a project. It is not the finished fire but rather the catalyst for a complete technical solution.
  • How much does Spark cost?
    At my standard Isadora programming rates, Spark has about $50,000 worth of work in it, but I use it on lots of projects and this allows me to spread the development costs out to allow lots of clients to access its power without spending the money for the development of a complete application from scratch. When I am quoting your project, I will provide a breakdown of hourly rates for my labor as well as access fees for Spark and any other existing code bases that may be integrated into your project.
  • Can I download a trial version of Spark?
    Unfortunately, I am not able to offer a trial version of Spark at this time and I don't have plans to make one available in the immediate future. If you are interested in learning more about Spark, I am Boston based and I am also in New York City on a semi-regular basis and I am happy to provide a walk through of its functionality and give you a chance to try out anything you are interested in seeing.
  • Does Spark include Isadora?
    The Spark access fees that will appear on quotes and invoices do not include Isadora. I do have Isadora license dongles available to rent for both Mac and PC and rentals of playback computers running Spark include a license of Isadora. Mac licenses also include the Core Video upgrade and are available with the Core Audio upgrade.
  • Do I need the Core Video upgrade and/or Quartz Composer?

    Spark's core functionality does not require the Core Video upgrade or Quartz Composer but many of the standard and optional modules/features do. For example, the Map Mask and Bezier Surface modules as well as any module that integrates Syphon cannot function without the Core Video upgrade and QC. Frame accurate synced playback across multiple computers requires the Core Video upgrade.

  • What kind of computer do I need to use Spark?

    Necessary computer specifications for Spark are completely dependent on the nature of your intended application. I recommend that all playback computers have at least a recent generation processor, a decent graphics card, 4GB RAM, and a 7200RPM+ HD or SSD. You may find that running your OS/applications on a different drive/SSD than you place your media will help boost performance. It is also possible that the number of outputs or the amount of processing required for your project will require you to spread the load out over multiple computers in a playback computer cluster. Spark can be configured to allow a single programmer/operator computer to seamlessly control a nearly unlimited number of additional headless client computers. Once we begin to discuss your project, I can provide more specific recommendations.

  • Can I purchase Spark?
    The short answer to this question is no. Spark is specifically designed to be the basis of my custom programming for a particular project so it is counter to the Spark ethos to offer it for purchase directly to end users. That said, programmers or firms that are interested in creating tools based on Spark that they can use with their projects or distribute to their end users can purchase a license to do so. There are various terms and conditions that accompany such a license and this is all negotiated on a case by case basis so, if you are interested in an Spark purchase, please contact me to discuss your options. Clients aren't charged directly for Spark but rather for my custom programming services that include it. I do offer pre-assembled and specifically optimized hardware systems with my programming configured prior to arrival on-site and these are available for purchase.
  • If you're not available during our programming/tech period, does that mean we can't use Spark?
    Absolutely not. While Spark is not available independent of my programming services, my programming services often will only extend to the custom configuration and prep stage of the programming process. I can get your Spark based project ready and then I can work with a local programmer who will be on site during the tech process to install and operate the system. This also applies to clients who don't have a sufficient budget to arrange for my travel to the venue or who can't necessarily afford my hourly/day rate for my programming services during the whole tech process. Though Spark and my programming services are not typically the best option for the smallest budget productions this type of arrangement can help to extend its availability to a wider range of venues and companies.
  • What level of technical support is included with your services/Spark?
    All clients can contact me via email or phone at any time and should expect to hear back in very short order if not immediately. Clients will not be billed for the resolution of issues that are inherent to the Spark code base or that are related to the improper functioning of computers that have been rented from me. It is not unusual for small bugs to crop up in complex custom programming projects and I try to account for this in my initial estimate of the number of hours a project will take but clients will be billed the same hourly rate as the rest of their project for this type of work. Training, technical support for 3rd party programmers/operators, or troubleshooting of related third party hardware/software will also be billed at a standard hourly rate but is only included in initial time estimates if it is specifically indicated as such in your quote.
  • Is an educational discount available?
    The majority of the costs associated with a project based on Spark are for my custom programming services. My hourly Isadora programming rate is standard regardless of client type so there is no educational discount for that. That said, select educational institutions may qualify for a discount or waiving of the Spark access fee. Please contact me to determine whether your organization qualifies but, in general, qualifying institutions include universities and colleges that offer conservatory and pre-professional training in the projection field and are intending to use Spark in an academic setting or for a student-staffed production.
  • Is there a reseller's discount?
    Spark isn't for sale so there is no resellers discount available.